Cromwell picks out Sixandahalf and Stumptown as Festival fancies

Gavin Cromwell has nominated Sixandahalf and Stumptown as his best chances of getting on the scoresheet at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sixandahalf has only had one run over hurdles but looked a natural and with a 94 rating on the Flat, comes right into the reckoning for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

“She’s only had one start over hurdles but she jumped really well and she seems in good shape. Without stating the obvious, she’s probably one of our best chances at the Festival,” said Cromwell.

“Stumptown and Vanillier are both likely to take their chance in the Cross Country Chase.

“We weren’t surprised to see Stumptown raised 8lb given how well he won at Cheltenham the last day. He’s clearly a very good horse but he’s got a lot of weight to carry – hopefully he’s good enough. If he’s at his best, then I’d say he’s one of our best chances of a winner.

“Vanillier was very good at Punchestown with the blinkers on and we’ll likely reach for them again. He’s off what looks a nice weight and hopefully he can be a big player here.”

Will The Wise has a few options over the four days but Cromwell is favouring the Pertemps Final, while Path D’Oroux is going to step up in trip.

“We’re most likely to go to the Pertemps with Will The Wise, although he holds an entry in the Albert Bartlett, which we can’t rule out for certain,” Cromwell told his William Hill blog.

“He’s off a career-high mark over hurdles and Cheltenham may just come too soon given he only won on Sunday in testing conditions. We’ll see how he goes over the next two weeks and hopefully he can be a player here.

“Path D’Oroux is likely to step up in trip to run here (TrustATrader Plate). It’ll be his first time over two and a half miles and we’re hoping that’ll bring about improvement.

“He’s been consistent over two miles but over the longer trip I’m hopeful he’ll be a big player. He’s one I think could be one of our dark horses and might be a good each-way shout.”

Surprisingly, Cromwell may only have one runner in the Grade One races but it is the unbeaten Hello Neighbour in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

He said: “Hello Neighbour is probably going to be our only Grade One runner this year as he goes in the Triumph Hurdle. There are two English horses (Lulamba and East India Dock) at the head of the market and it’s always difficult to compare them with the Irish contenders.

“That said, I’m very happy with him at home and he’s in good shape. He’s had a great start to life over hurdles and hopefully that can continue. I can only focus on my horse and we’ll have him in the best shape possible for the race.”